How Damian Lillard Uniquely Advocated For NBA G League Athletes
The golden pot at the end of the NBA's in-season tournament rainbow may not be a big deal for Damian Lillard, but he knows the impact winning could have for his Two-Way and G League alum teammates.
When the NBA unveiled its plans for an in-season tournament in 2023-24, many were quick to criticize and suggest there wasn’t enough to motivate the players.
Despite the fancy courts and a potential trip to compete in Las Vegas, players may not be feeling the motivation to rise up and play at a higher level. Should there have been special playoff implications and/or privileges at stake to get the players invested in the format?
Perhaps so, but if you ask Damian Lillard, he doesn’t seem to need extra convincing. He understands what potentially winning the tournament and taking home the ultimate prize could mean not just for himself, but those around him.
“As a leader and somebody who cares about your teammates — especially your younger teammates — you’ve got guys on Two-Way contracts, guys who are trying to earn their stay, that prize in the end could change their families’ lives. You don’t want to make everything about money, but that’s something we can do,” the seven-time NBA all-star explained (via HoopsHype/Mike Bohn).
“It gives you something to get up for and be excited about. Even if it’s not for you individually, it’s something you can do for the next person. I think that’s worth us battling it out for them,” Lillard added.
The longer an NBA remains in the tournament, the more money each of its players and coaches stand to make. Players on the championship winning team can win as much as $500,000, but even players whose teams make it to the quarterfinals stand to make at least $50,000 as well.
Two-Way Players go back and forth between the NBA and the G League (some on a weekly or even daily basis), have prorated salaries, varying per diems, and are limited to appearing in a maximum of 50 games in The Association. Receiving supplemental income, whether it’s the low amount, high amount, or something favorable in between, could indeed make a huge difference.
In a way, the arrival of the in-season NBA tournament (should it continue in subsequent seasons) could prove to be an extra selling point for players considering signing Two-Way contracts in years to come.
The Bucks’ Two-Way Players this season include Lindell Wigginton, TyTy Washington Jr., and Marques Bolden. All suited up in the minor league as recently as last season (with Wigginton and Bolden spending the.bulk of time at that level), and would assumedly stand to do so this season as well.
They’ve all fluctuated between standard NBA pacts, G League deals, Two-Way contracts, international opportunities, etc — like so many other Two-Way Players and G League alum often do.
The grind never stops, but having a superstar like Lillard in your corner certainly doesn’t hurt.